EU: Kosovo Entitled to Phase Out License Plates in Consultative Way

Kosovo stickers plates (AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)

Kosovo "has the right to phase out" vehicle license plates with the KM designation, but the process must follow the agreement from the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue and be "implemented in an inclusive and consultative fashion," the European External Action Service said in a press release on Oct. 29.

"While the decision is a step in the right direction, it is not aligned with Dialogue Agreements, which are binding for both Parties," the statement read. "The relevant Agreement from 2016 foresaw a clearly sequenced and defined process with a 12-month timeframe for the phasing-out process, which has not been followed," the press release noted, adding that Kosovo should allow a longer transition period.

The EEAS further stated that it was necessary to "maintain calm." "We call on all involved stakeholders to exercise restraint and avoid any actions or rhetoric that could jeopardize the stability on the ground, particularly in the north of Kosovo," the statement read.

On Oct. 28 Kosovo Premier Albin Kurti presented a plan for license plates issued by the Serbian authorities in cities in Kosovo, which includes three phases to implement the decision on vehicle license plates in Kosovo. From Nov. 1 to 21, owners of vehicles with Serbian-issued license plates will receive warnings. From Nov. 21 to Jan. 21, 2023, vehicle owners will receive fines, and after Jan. 21 temporary plates will be issued for another two months.